Willie O'Dea (Limerick City, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Minister’s bona fides that it is not my intention to interfere with the Constitution. The simple reason is that the amendment does not in any way interfere with the Constitution. Article 26.2.1 is quite clear. When legislation is passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas, there is a short interim period during which the Bill is handed to the President for signature. The Constitution provides that if the President decides to refer the Bill to the Supreme Court, he or she must do that within seven days. The article further provides that when it goes to the Supreme Court, the court must make a decision on that matter within 60 days. Accordingly, we are well within the six months.

I believe it is not unreasonable to look for this legislation to be commenced within six months, particularly in view of the length of time we have been waiting for it.

See this speech in context